[Question #13146] Syphilis test positive then negative
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2 months ago
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Sorry I just posted not too long ago. I wasn’t going to post but this happened.
I have no one else to talk to.
I tested for syphilis at lab corp. the lab report stated this:
Syphilis RPR Rfx QN RPR/Confirm TP
012005 RPR with reflex to RPR to titer and Treponemal. Antibodies, traditional screening and algorithm.
Final Interpretation: NEGATIVE. Syphilis not detected. No laboratory evidence of syphilis detected.
Below that it said,
Reactive >/=1:1 non treponemal antibodies not detected. Syphilis unlikely. Biological false positive suspected.
Below that it said:
Reactive >/=1:1 treponemal and non treponemal antibodies detected. Consistent with past or current (or potential early) syphilis.
Should I believe concerned?
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2 months ago
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I have been sick this week with aches and upper body rash on my back which I thought was heat rash for 24 hours. I also had a rash in the inside of my arm at the same time. Both rashes only last 24 hours.
1) Does this mean a false positive?
2) does this mean I may have early syphilis?
3) should I believe the final interpretation of negative?
4) could my illness create a false positive?
5) I’ve been w one woman for 7 months and we have unprotected sex. I actually tested 2 months ago and was negative for syphilis. Wouldn’t I have gotten it by now if she had syphilis?
Thank you and sorry to post so soon
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
2 months ago
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Welcome back to the Forum. I find myself wondering why you have chosen further testing. I'm also having a little trouble following your questions. I'll try to respond but if I get something wrong, please provide more context and clarify.
You indicate that you had the following test: Syphilis RPR Rfx QN RPR/Confirm TP and that the result was " 012005 RPR with reflex to RPR to titer and Treponemal. Antibodies, traditional screening and algorithm.
Final Interpretation: NEGATIVE. Syphilis not detected. No laboratory evidence of syphilis detected." If this is correct your test results show that you do not have syphilis.
below that you list two other statements which appear to be instructions on how to interpret test results when the RPR test is positive. If that is correct, you can be confident that you do not have syphilis and that the rash you are experiencing is not syphilis. Although the rash of syphilis is quite variable the rash you describe does not suggest syphilis. If you were tested when you had the rash, you can be confident that the rash is not syphilis.
I believe that this answers your follow up questions. If you remain concerned, the first thing to do is to call LAbCorp and ask with them about the result. If there are still questions, you need to provide some clarification to how I have misinterpreted your question. EWH
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2 months ago
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Actually the lab updated their result form with a chart showing what different results would be. I thought it was because they did a reflex and and my sample showed a positive, then a false positive and then negative. I never saw that before. Usually they just lost the result.
So you and them answered my own question.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
2 months ago
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Glad I could help. EWH---
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1 months ago
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I actually got tested a day after the rash at Labcorp and the day after that at Quest. Negative both times.
The crash only appeared for 24 hours or so.
Labcorp gives all the possible results and their meanings under the personal result. However, the way it’s worded on the sheet may be misconstrued by the reader that it was positive and that they did reflex tests on it.
1) so if my rash was caused by syphilis it would’ve been positive if I tested 2 days after? It was gone by then.
2) I googled pics of chancre sores and they showed it in people’s hands and face. If one were to touch a person’s sore would they contract syphilis?
3) can syphilis be transmitted in non sexual ways such as handshakes if someone has a chancre on their hand?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
1 months ago
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I'm sorry you are having trouble moving forward. This will be my final answer. There should be no need to return with further questions on this topic
1) so if my rash was caused by syphilis it would’ve been positive if I tested 2 days after? It was gone by then.
A syphilis rash would not resolve in two days. Further when (or after a rash is present, syphilis tests will always be positive.
2) I googled pics of chancre sores and they showed it in people’s hands and face. If one were to touch a person’s sore would they contract syphilis?
I suppose that is theoretically possible but if it ever occurs (unlikely) it is extraordinarily rare.
3) can syphilis be transmitted in non sexual ways such as handshakes if someone has a chancre on their hand?
If a chancre (the open ulcer, NOT the rash) were present on someone's hands or finger, this could be a source of transmission of infection.
This thread is now complete. I encourage you to take a deep breath, relax and move forward. You do not have syphilis. EWH
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